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I have not MRIﾃつｴd my dog for SM as it is not possible in my country, at least not for dogs that donﾃつｴt have any symptoms. His heart, patellas and eyes have been checked regularly which is what the breed organization requires of breeding stock. I know the dogs in his and the bitches pedigree 3-4 generations back and none of them have symptoms (which of course doesnﾃつｴt have to mean anything). In fact, I have only heard of three SM cases in our country and never seen a dog with the condition, and Iﾃつｴve been among this breed for over twenty years. But Iﾃつｴm sure that if the problem gets worse, our breed organization will stricten the rules first place. For the time being, to be able to register the puppies at the kennel union the parents need a heart certificate at the moment of mating, thus all registered puppies have parents that have had their heart checked.

Still, Iﾃつｴm happy to get a new baby and donﾃつｴt have any hesitations having a pup after these parents.

This is exciting news! Let us know how the pregnancy develops. What are the possible colours from this mating and what are you hoping for yourself? Will you take a female or male?

Regarding SM, I do believe that caring people weigh up approaches at this time and are doing the best they can with the means within their reach. IMHO, it would be so very helpful if national clubs gave more guidance and information -- on ALL sides of this topic -- right now, I think there's so much misinformation circulating that even the most responsible people don't know where to turn or how to weigh up the evidence. That's one reason I created my SM Infosite -- http://sm.cavaliertalk.com -- and the SM Forum on this site, so that people can get the latest information coming from the researchers and neurologists and also talk amongst themselves without feeling the topic is 'censored' as sadly it seems to be on some boards and lists. Information on SM is scarce to nonexistent on most of the cavalier club websites so far but hopefully this will continue to change.

They were not related in any way, they were not all the same colour, not one dog was on the papers of any of the others.

Tilly was 3yrs, Annie was roughly 4 yrs (she was my little rescue angel) and Pippa was 10 months. Pippa was scanned at 6 months and was found to be severe even at that tender age, symptoms with her showed from 16 wks. A second scan was repeated at 10 months with severe progression, it was the kindest thing to do, to let her find peace and release her from the pain.

Do I think it is only coincidence?

No, I think it is very widespread within the breed. I have friends with affected Cavaliers and some with more than one affected Cav in their home. In my neighbourhood I know of five affected Cav's, it's so frightening.

I adore the breed but will now only home rescues, having a home and love is the most important thing for them, I get what I take and make the very most of that gift.